During the week ending January 11, metallurgical coke prices indicated increases in the north of China, while they remained unchanged in other areas of the country. Transaction activity in the market has been quiet. The average price of second-grade coke in China now stands at $254/mt, witnessing a slight rise week on week. As of January 11, the coke futures contract (1305) offers at Dalian Commodity Exchange closed at RMB 1,763/mt ($283/mt), decreasing by $13/mt week on week. Local coke prices in the Chinese domestic market can be viewed in the SteelOrbis price reports section.
Rising coking coal prices in some of main production areas in China and the rebound in domestic steel prices have provided support for coke prices in the Chinese market. It is thought that supply and demand among market participants, especially traders, will be a significant factor in determining the trend of the domestic coke market in the coming period.
It is expected that coke prices in China will maintain a steady rising trend amid market players' optimism as regards the future prospects for the market.